2022, Vol. 5, Issue 4, Part A

Background: Today, a variety of spine surgeries are performed, which has posed a variety of challenges for anesthesiologists. The present study was undertaken to compare the effects of fentanyl and dexmedetomidine on intraoperative hemodynamic, blood loss, and their post- operative awakening pain and sedation scores.

Method: Total 60 patients aged 20-75 years undergoing spinal surgery were randomized into the two groups of fentanyl (group A, N=30) and dexmedetomidine (group B, N=30). Group A received fentanyl induction-1.5-2ug/kg and fentanyl infusion- 0.75 mcg/kg/hr- 1ug/kg/hr. Group B received dexmedetomidine induction 0.8-1 mcg/kg and dexmedetomidine infusion-0.3-0.7 mcg/kg/hr. Inj. Xylocard 2% 0.5 mg/kg was given for Propofol pain and 1.5-2mg/kg of Inj. Propofol was given over 2 minutes after thirty seconds of study drugs.

Results: Both the groups were comparable and found no significant difference with respect to demographic profile of the patients (p>0.05) but significant difference found in duration of surgery, (p<0.05). Also, comparison between the groups in terms of RAAS score, blood loss, additional propofol, rescue analgesia and VAS score were not statistically significant, (p>0.05). The hemodynamic parameters (HR, SBP, DBP and MAP) were stable in group B than in group A.

Conclusion: Adding dexmedetomidine compared to fentanyl in spine surgeries at different levels, could be a supplementary therapy to maintain hemodynamic level and ensure postoperative analgesic control whilst reducing the consumption of postoperative opioid, thereby minimizing nausea and vomiting side effects.